14 replies to this topic

[mr.x]

My Mpi lives in a hot humid tropical climate (20°-35°C+/- ambient/60-100% relative humidity).

 

I have been successfully running the engine/transmission on conventional 20W-50 oil for several years at the recommendation of other forums. The car is a once per month weekend runabout and not a daily driver any more, normally covering under 100 Mi/160 Km per year with a total odometer reading of 28,000 Mi/45,000 Km. I have fitted an air conditioning system and high performance exhaust/cat converter to the vehicle which adds/reduces engine load.

 

With this information would you recommend continuing to run on 20W-50 or switching to a different viscosity?

 

[nicklouse]

i would still run a 20-50 with a suitably high ZDDP package 

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[pete l]

Does that mean that 5w/50 is the best ????

[mini13]

in theory, but the additives that give the wide range of viscosity dont last that long,

 

I would say stick with a good 20w50 unless you get very cold ( read arctic) mornings, if you are in really hot conditions, a 20w60 could be worth considering, but to be honest i doubt theres one with the correct zddp package.

[mr.x]

So I've been using 20W-50 that specifies:

 

"High zinc/phosphorus for anti-wear protection, including push-rod & flat tappet applications"

 

Which sounds perfect from what you are describing.

[mini13]

yep that sounds good, what brand?

[mr.x]

Valvoline

[nicklouse]

very popular choice. VR1

[mr.x]

very popular choice. VR1

Yes, VR1

[brivinci]

Thats what I run (VR1) and it now clearly states it meets the demand for I ZDDP needed in flat tappet motors like ours.

[nicklouse]

but most of us run it for the gearbox.

[ClassicBRG]

I know this is an old thread, but I will ask my question over here before starting a new one.

Valvoline VR1 is for a lot of Mini owners the no1 choice.

The oil in my MPI is running over 120 degrees celsius, so I think it would be wise to put in an oil that is better when hot.

 

So I found the VR1 is a better choice over the Miller Classic 20w50.

But a lot of sites state that the VR1 is not for engines with a catalytic converter.

Should I not use the VR1 on my MPI with a catalystic converter?

[Quinlan minor]

I know this is an old thread, but I will ask my question over here before starting a new one.

Valvoline VR1 is for a lot of Mini owners the no1 choice.

The oil in my MPI is running over 120 degrees celsius, so I think it would be wise to put in an oil that is better when hot.

 

So I found the VR1 is a better choice over the Miller Classic 20w50.

But a lot of sites state that the VR1 is not for engines with a catalytic converter.

Should I not use the VR1 on my MPI with a catalystic converter?

Reading Valvoline's website:

"Valvoline VR1 Racing Motor Oil is recommended for high-performance gasoline engines as well as those burning full or partial alcohol fuels. It is not recommended for vehicles with catalytic converters or in wet clutches."

 

I read that as "has not been tested, by Valvoline, for catalytic converters or wet clutches".

 

I run my motorcycle (wet clutch) on it. It was recommended by a fellow Laverda (wet clutch) rider who has done over 170,000 miles, without ever opening the engine, on VR1 since new.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Mini Owners run their engines on VR1. I'm sure many of them in cat equipped Minis with no complaints.

I don't worry about it, and would suggest that you shouldn't either.

IMO, it's just another example of the "Don't drink the battery acid", "Don't exit the car while it is still in motion" disease.

 

[ClassicBRG]

Thanks for your answer, I think it is worth the try..

[bluedragon]

High levels of ZDDP in motor oil can kill a catalytic converter. That's why ZDDP levels were steadily reduced for OEM oil standards starting in the 80's and 90's. They caused emission standards failures.

 

If you are regularly pushing the temperature limits of your Mini in hot weather, I'd use a true, full (group IV or higher) synthetic. The much greater stability of the oil molecule chains in true synthetics holds up to high temperatures much better than conventional oil, giving you more safety margin in borderline situations.

 

If your cooling is adequate or better under all conditions, probably not necessary.